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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 465

(x) The campaign pair awarded to Private B. J. Thompson, 'C' Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, who was killed in Vietnam on 1 February 1970

Vietnam 1964-73 (2789920 B.J. Thompson); Vietnam, Republic, South Vietnam Campaign Medal, no Bar, gilt and enamel, enamel flaking to latter, very fine (2)

Barry John Thompson was born on 13 September 1947 at Goulburn, New South Wales. A shearer and shed hand when he was called up on 1 May 1968, he served in Vietnam with 'C' Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment from February 1969. His tour in Phouc Tuy Provence included four weeks of night patrols in Operation Bondi II whilst the Crookwell Gazette gives more detail:

'According to his comrades he was a likeable larrikin and very good in this role. On February 1 in 1970 he was hit by an exploding hand grenade, dying in the arms of a comrade.'

It appears his death - which came a week before he was due to return home - was caused by a planted hand grenade secreted in an area of recently-burned grass. Thompson was buried in the Gunning Cemetery and this February his comrades commemorated the 50th anniversary of his death, as reported in Half Circle - the publication for members of his unit:

'The day finally arrived. The service has come and gone and it will now go down as part of
history for the Thompson family and 5RAR. The day was abnormally hot but this did not deter the members of “C” Company 5RAR from attending this rural locale in support of their mate. They marched on with a swagger to
Barry’s grave that brought a tear to ones eye. They received a standing ovation. Before the ODE, Last Post, Reveille and National Anthem they moved to Barry’s grave, linked arms, bowed their heads and paid their last respects. A very moving time for all.

The Australian Federation Guard provided eight personel on the day. They did a sterling job. Unfortunately and due to the immenent bushfire threat on life and property Senator Jim
Molan and members of the Queanbeyan Pipes and Drums could not attend. Barry can now rest in peace, his sisters are grateful, members of “C" Company 5RAR have paid their last respects. What a journey.'


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,300

Starting price
£600